No pragmatism, no purposely antagonistic signs, just the simple message that we are sinners and Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption. Repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone is the exclusionary atonement for sin.
Great message and deliveryRusty Aha said:
No pragmatism, no purposely antagonistic signs, just the simple message that we are sinners and Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption. Repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone is the exclusionary atonement for sin.
Rusty Aha said:
No pragmatism, no purposely antagonistic signs, just the simple message that we are sinners and Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption. Repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone is the exclusionary atonement for sin.
You make some great points.kurt vonnegut said:Rusty Aha said:
No pragmatism, no purposely antagonistic signs, just the simple message that we are sinners and Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption. Repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone is the exclusionary atonement for sin.
Call me a cynic but, even without the antagonistic signs, I think a questioning of motivation might still be in order.
It is interesting that the video posted is of a guy speaking at people on a crowded sidewalk and being entirely ignored. If the goal is to speak to people and to engage with them, then does the video demonstrate the ineffectiveness of street preaching in this manner? So why do it? I can think of no situation on the planet where you are more likely to be ignored than as a street preacher in Times Square. Why take a film crew with you and film yourself preaching to no one? Why post it on Youtube for the world to see it? Who does that video serve? Who does this reach?
I agree with this. I think the majority of people have to be in the right mind set to receive the message. Hurrying to your next appointment or to get to the Apple store for the new phone launch probably isn't the best time for the message of salvation to enter your mind. I also think it can sometimes only be the mustard seed of the Message but there has to be follow up. I think this is why, predominately, people come to Christ through connections people have...i.e. friends, organizations, etc. And often the message can be delivered non-verbally...just but seeing how happy someone is, how they live their lives and the sense that the believe all will be okay...and people want to know more about that.dermdoc said:You make some great points.kurt vonnegut said:Rusty Aha said:
No pragmatism, no purposely antagonistic signs, just the simple message that we are sinners and Jesus Christ is the only means of redemption. Repentance and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone is the exclusionary atonement for sin.
Call me a cynic but, even without the antagonistic signs, I think a questioning of motivation might still be in order.
It is interesting that the video posted is of a guy speaking at people on a crowded sidewalk and being entirely ignored. If the goal is to speak to people and to engage with them, then does the video demonstrate the ineffectiveness of street preaching in this manner? So why do it? I can think of no situation on the planet where you are more likely to be ignored than as a street preacher in Times Square. Why take a film crew with you and film yourself preaching to no one? Why post it on Youtube for the world to see it? Who does that video serve? Who does this reach?
Except for rare occasions, most of the NT preaching appears to have been in synagogues. People there would be much more likely to pay attention.
I think as Christians, we often overlook this point. Wasn't much of Jesus' early ministry teaching in the temple courts? And as He became known, people followed him to hear in other locations? And much of His teaching was with just the disciples present? And in John 17:18 Jesus prays for the disciples to be sent into the world as God sent Him into the world. To me, this seems to suggest that most of us will have the greatest impact by interacting with those with whom we regularly come in contact. Family, friends, and coworkers. Some obviously are called to different ministries, but Jesus seemed to be a bit less in your face with the gospel than many are today.dermdoc said:
Except for rare occasions, most of the NT preaching appears to have been in synagogues. People there would be much more likely to pay attention.
And people conflate proselytize with evangelize. I would argue that scripture teaches us NOT to proselytize.dermdoc said:
Jesus commanded us to do two things, love God and love your neighbor. To my knowledge, He never said go and proselytize.
Exactly. And that is why you question their motives.Iraq2xVeteran said:
I just came across this thread today. I went to the Auburn and Alabama games, and I noticed street preachers in front of Kyle Field for both games. They were trying to make 100k+ fans feel guilty or sinful for going to a game. I understand that sports can become an idol, but the idea that you are going to hell for going to a football game is ridiculous.